Choosing the Right Gutters for Your Home
by Gabby Hyman
If you''re replacing the rain gutters in your home or building a new home, there's a great selection of gutter styles and materials. Many homeowners balance the severity of weather conditions in their region (and the need for protection) with their pocketbooks to determine the best value in new gutters. You may want to consider today's high-end, seamless gutter systems, which offer the greatest durability and ease of maintenance for the money.
The seamless aluminum style offered by many gutter contractors today often comes pre-painted with enamel coatings from the factory. Although aluminum can be dented by contact with falling branches, hail, or flying rocks, it typically outlasts the more traditional galvanized steel styles. Steel is also prey to rust, the single-greatest enemy of any gutter system. At the top end, there are copper gutters, which are costly but lend prestige to any home. The greenish color of oxidized copper is a stylist's dream.
Seamless, Continuous Gutters and Other Options
Traditional sectional gutters are installed by contractors who fit the pre-cut sections to your home. They are more affordable, but have a greater susceptibility to rust, cracks, and leaks. They can also collect debris and clog easily at the joints. Seamless gutters are cut to measure and customized for your home. They typically have a longer life and require less upkeep than sectional installations. If you choose to go with a sectional gutter system, ask your retailer about sealants and secure fastener options.
Vinyl gutters are also available on the market. Unless you hire a contractor, you have to size and cut the sections on your own. You may not want to use vinyl if you live in cold, unforgiving climates because they lack the durability of aluminum and steel.
Additional options to consider are gutter guards, covers, and screens to keep the drainage pathways open throughout the year. Properly installed, gutter guards cap the tops of the gutters with nylon crowns or other materials. They can also keep the downspouts clear, saving you repeated trips up and down the roof from season to season.
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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